Invasive species permit required for Oregon paddlecraft

The Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife remind operators of paddlecraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, sailboats, etc.) that it’s time to buy an aquatic invasive species prevention permit for 2013.

Permits are required for paddlecraft and other non-motorized vessels 10 feet long and longer for both residents and nonresidents. Permits are transferable between boats, but each boat on the water needs to carry a permit.

• The Marine Board sells one- or two-year Tyvek tags for non-motorized boats for $5 and $10 respectively, that can be purchased at the Marine Board office, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem or ordered via mail by downloading an application and returning the form to the Marine Board. The Marine Board also has a number of dealers throughout the state that sell the Tyvek tags. A map of ODFW and Marine Board point-of-sale locations can be found online. http://1.usa.gov/12qIHva.

• Out-of-state permits are available through ODFW for both motorized boaters ($22) and paddlers ($7).

Boat inspection

stations

Since 2012, people hauling boats have been required to stop at marked boat inspection stations. In 2012, ODFW conducted 4,675 watercraft inspections and 51 watercraft were decontaminated from some form of invasive species (plant or crustacean). Eighteen of those vessels, including a kayak and folding boat, were contaminated with quagga or zebra mussels.

Revenue from the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program goes into a dedicated fund used solely for inspection stations; decontamination equipment; public education and outreach efforts; special patrols and staff positions (including trained inspectors) to administer the program. To learn more about the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program, where to purchase permits, and the accomplishments to date, view the 2012 annual report.